Know Your Scientist: Carl Sagan

If you have even the most remote interest in astronomy, it"s likely Carl Sagan"s name has came up an uncountable number of times in your research on the subject. Though he passed away 17 years ago, his words are splashed on letterheads, his quotes inked into the skin of science enthusiasts all over the globe and his influence can still be seen floating on the outskirts of our solar system, in two golden records that are destined to be the first man-made objects to break free from the sun"s influence, allowing the discs to roam freely in the spaces between stars for eternity, perhaps.

Learn about how Carl Sagan inspired a generation at:
http://www.fromquarkstoquasars.com/know-your-scientist-carl-sagan/

Pareidolia: Taking a Look at a Nebula:

To me, this giant cloud looks a little like the towering troll from The Hobbit (the troll is in the center and its arms are the dust clouds on either side). However, when looking at this nebula, most people see something besides a troll. In fact, this nebula has been named after what people see when they look at it. Any guesses as to what the most fitting name would be?

Ultimately, Pareidolia (in essence, seeing meaningful images from random data) is rather common, and it often has an impact on astronomy.

Learn the name of this nebula, and find out more about Pareidolia, at:
http://www.fromquarkstoquasars.com/taking-a-peep-at-the-horse-in-the-horsehead-nebula/

Image source:
NASA

Pareidolia: Clash of the Celestial Space Beasts

When you are laying outstretched on your back, staring into the sunny blue sky on a cloudy day, are you one of those people that see faces, shapes, animals, or other objects in the clouds? I think most of us have seen such things... it"s one of the joys of childhood. However, did you know there is actually a word for this phenomenon? It"s called "pareidolia."

The word itself is derived from the Greek words "para," (meaning something faulty) and eidōlon (meaning image, form, or shape) and is a form of Apophenia, which means "seeing meaningful patterns or connections in random or meaningless data." Except in this case, the patterns seen are fictitious.

See more amazing images of pareidolia at:
http://www.fromquarkstoquasars.com/pareidolia-clash-of-the-celestial-space-beasts/

Image sources:
NASA/ESA—Chris Keegan